Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 October 2023
239. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Education if her Department will reimburse a school in County Donegal (details supplied) on an exceptional needs basis, for the severe loss of income and debt that they have faced due to the enrolment policy of the Department. [43254/23]
View answerMy Department provides funding to all recognised schools in the Free Education Scheme by way of per capita grants. These grants are based on recognised enrolments in September of the relevant school year.
The two main grants are the Capitation grant to cater for day to day running costs including heating, lighting etc. and the Ancillary grant to cater for the cost of employing ancillary services staff.
In addition, as part of the Cost of Living measures introduced in the Budget, €90 million has been provided in once-off additional funding to support increased running costs for recognised primary and post-primary schools in the free education scheme, in particular in dealing with challenges they face in the light of rising energy costs. This additional grant was paid at the rate of €75 per pupil at Primary level. Enhanced rates were also paid in respect of pupils with Special Educational needs.
The school referred to by the Deputy has received a total of €71,327 in capitation related funding for the 2022/23 school year. This includes €12,525 in respect of the Cost of Living Grant, €28,182 in Capitation funding, €17,761 in respect of the Ancillary Grant and €12,859 in respect of Covid-19 measures.
There is no provision for additional payments outside of those outlined above.
My Department is aware of the financial position in the school referred to by the Deputy. Officials in my Department arranged to complete an assessment of the position in May last. The school was contacted at that time and advised of the further assistance that could be made available.
A further assessment of the financial position is now being carried out and when this is complete officials from my Department will be in contact with the school directly.
I can also confirm that the Financial Service Support Unit (FSSU) have been in contact with the school referred to regarding their financial position. Further details in relation to the supports available from the FSSU are on their website: www.fssu.ie/primary/ .
